9 / DON'T BE A DONKEY! /
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In one of South India's famous temple towns lived a donkey. It led a lazy and comfortable life, just outside the temple of the popular local deity. Pilgrims to the temple usually fed it tidbits, and it was privileged to eat the remains of the free meals served at the temple everyday.
The biggest celebration held in the town every year was on the deity's birthday. On that day, the deity's idol was customarily brought out of the temple in a big procession that traveled around the town, so that people could pay their respects. One year, the townspeople chose our donkey to carry the deity's idol. Accordingly, the donkey was bathed and dressed in silk and finery, and made ready for the event. As the procession traveled down the streets, the donkey was amazed to find that people were bowing low before it, performing aarati and pooja and offering it the choicest sweetmeats. The donkey had no idea what the fuss was all about. By and by, its became certain that overnight it had become a great soul, a hero. Maybe I have become enlightened!, it thought. It started to walk with a swagger and looked contemptuously upon the other animals on the streets. As the day wore on, the donkey began to tire of carrying the idol upon its back. Why should I struggle under this heavy burden? After all, I'm a great soul now! I don't need to show anyone any respect!, it thought.
So, to the horror of the people, the donkey leapt up and shook the idol of its back. What happened next, I'm sure you don't need my help to imagine!
/ Every moment, be aware that you are an instrument of the Divine. Don't let your ego get in the way! Surrender the ego, and Existence will take care of you. Put out your sooty little lamp and open the door; let the glorious moonlight of the Divine flood your room! /